Used Parts Conservation

[Bob Culver]

As I have recounted before I started on my car when still at school. Studies and work took me far way and it stood outside for about 3 years with the motor and front axle out. When examined after 10,000 miles it was found that the gearbox and diff surfaces above oil level had seriously rusted (Usually parts left unopened remain OK for years, but probably EP oil in the custom of the time.) The noise level seemed about the same as normal, despite bearings being slightly rough, and wear does not appear much accelerated. But plain bearing surfaces including layshaft, gearbox gear bores must be free of pitting and roughness for an acceptable life.
Periodic turning of the drive trrin would probably have avoided trouble.